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Syracuse staff member reprimanded for involvement in sideline altercation

Syracuse reprimanded its own director of football operations following an incident during Saturday’s game against Boston College.

After consultation with the ACC, it was determined that Brad Wittke “engaged in unsportsmanlike behavior by making contact with Boston College player William Harris,” Syracuse said in a release.

Harris had intercepted a pass from Orange quarterback Eric Dungey in the first quarter and was hit hard out of bounds by Dungey following a long return. At that point, a scuffle broke out and Wittke got in the middle of it in an effort to “prevent an altercation.”

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In the video above, Wittke, wearing all blue with an orange hat, appears to push Harris to the ground. Syracuse was assessed two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties on the play. Boston College was hit with one.

“I apologize to William Harris, Coach Addazio and the entire Boston College football team for my actions Saturday,” Wittke said in a statement. “While trying to prevent the situation from becoming worse I made contact with William, causing him to fall to the ground. I take responsibility for that and regret that it happened.”

Syracuse QB Eric Dungey threw for 434 yards and three touchdowns in the win over Boston College. (AP Photo/Mary Schwalm)
Syracuse QB Eric Dungey threw for 434 yards and three touchdowns in the win over Boston College. (AP Photo/Mary Schwalm)

Added Syracuse athletic director John Wildhack: “I hold all members of our athletics program to the highest standard of conduct, and support the Atlantic Coast Conference’s commitment to sportsmanship. I’ve spoken with Brad and he fully understands his actions were not appropriate.”

Wittke is in his first year at Syracuse, joining the program alongside new head coach Dino Babers. Wittke held the same role under Babers at Bowling Green last year.

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Syracuse won the game 28-20 to improve to 4-4 (2-2 ACC) on the season. Boston College dropped to 3-4 (0-4 ACC) with the loss.

For more Syracuse news, visit CuseConfidential.com.

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Sam Cooper is a writer for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!